What is the First Book Award?

Our First Book Award celebrates the wealth of new writing included in the Book Festival programme each year.

Every debut novelist and every overseas writer whose words are published in English for the first time is included in the award, along with a selection of young adult fiction.

Unlike other literary prizes, the winner of the First Book Award is selected by you, the readers who champion new writing and who are responsible for making superstars out of debut novelists.

Many of the writers who participate in our Festival programme go on to forge international careers. Our First Book Award enables you to play your part in identifying a future literary legend by reading the books, coming to see the author events and, of course, by placing your vote. Everyone who casts a vote is also entered into a prize draw to win all the titles in the award.

Check back on this page later in 2018 to see this year's nominated authors.